Other Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Counseling

The following types of counseling are often effective for
generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD), as well as other anxiety disorders. During counseling with a mental health professional, you can learn ways to reduce anxiety and psychological stress in your daily life.

Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy can help you modify and gain control over your behavior. It helps you learn how to cope with anxiety-provoking situations through controlled exposure to them. Examples include stress management (coping techniques), relaxation exercises, assertiveness training, and desensitization (gradual exposure to a stressful situation). This type of therapy can help you gain a better sense of control over your life.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy helps you to change patterns of thinking that are unproductive and harmful. This kind of therapy helps you examine your feelings and separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts and helpful from unhelpful thoughts. Changing the way you respond helps you control the anxiety you may feel. As with behavioral therapy, it helps you gain a better sense of control over your life.

Education—identify the basis of your symptoms followed by specific educational plan to deal with them effectively

With this type of therapy, you examine your feelings and thought patterns, learn to interpret them in a more realistic way, and apply coping techniques to various situations. These skills will be useful for a lifetime.

Other Treatments

Relaxation Techniques

A variety of
relaxation techniques
can help you cope more effectively with stressors that contribute to GAD. Examples include meditation, deep breathing, progressive relaxation,
yoga, and
biofeedback. These techniques help you recognize tension in your body and release it with exercises that help quiet your mind and relax your muscles.

Exercise

Regular physical activity may also help to reduce anxiety. Some good options include brisk
walking,
swimming, and
strength training. Before starting an exercise program, check with your doctor about any possible medical problems you may have that would limit your exercise program.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.